Overview:

4. What Should you do if you Need to Leave the US Before Getting Your Reentry Permit?

5. Conclusion

1. How Long does it Take to Get a Reentry Permit?

To get a reentry permit, you are must file your reentry permit application with USCIS. Your physical reentry permit is then issued about 3 to 4 months after you submit your reentry permit application. While your application is processing, you are also required to attend a fingerprinting appointment at a USCIS office in the US.

2. Why do You Need a Reentry Permit?

There are 3 main reasons that a green card holder may need a reentry permit:

i. Leaving the US for 6 months or longer: If you are a US permanent resident and you leave the country for 6 months or longer, upon return to the US you are eligible to be questioned. Immigration officers may ask you questions to determine whether you have abandoned your permanent resident status. A reentry permit creates a legal presumption that you intend to remain a US permanent resident.

If you leave the US for a year or longer, your permanent resident card is no longer valid as an entry document. A reentry permit can be used to reenter the US for up to 2 years from the date it is issued.

ii. Frequent trips outside the US: Frequent trips outside of the US or spending more time outside of the US than inside the US can also lead to the same issues mentioned above regarding abandonment. A reentry permit can similarly help by creating a legal presumption that you intend to remain a US permanent resident.

iii. Cannot get a passport from your country of citizenship: If you cannot get a passport from your country of citizenship, a reentry permit can be used instead of a passport.

A reentry permit looks very similar to a passport. It is a small booklet with multiple pages for placing stamps/visas. It also has a biographic page with your picture and pertinent information.

3. What are the Requirements to Get a Reentry Permit?

There are 5 main requirements to get a reentry permit:

You must be a US permanent resident or conditional permanent resident

You must file a Form I-131 with USCIS

You must be physically present in the US when your Form I-131 is field

You must attend a biometrics (fingerprinting) appointment in the US

You must intend to depart the US

4. What Should you do if you Need to Leave the US Before Getting Your Reentry Permit?

Many permanent residents that need a reentry permit either have immediate travel plans or may not be in a position to wait 4 months for their reentry permit to be issued. If you are in this position, there are multiple potential solutions.

i. Leave after filing the reentry permit application: You are only required to be physically present in the US at the time your reentry permit application is filed and for your biometrics appointment (which is scheduled to take place about 6 weeks after you file your application). If you need to leave the US before your reentry permit is issued, you can leave after filing your reentry permit application with USICS and come back for your biometrics appointment. Your immigration lawyer can then mail you your reentry permit once it is issued.

Note: This option is only available if you have a valid passport. You should not leave the US without a valid travel document.

ii. Expedited Processing: In some cases, USCIS will expedite the processing of your reentry permit application which can result in having your biometrics appointment scheduled within 2 weeks of filing.

Here are some of the main reasons USCIS will grant an expedite request:

Emergency situation

Humanitarian reasons

Severe financial loss to company or person

USCIS compelling interest

National interest situation

USCIS error

5. Conclusion

Once you file your Form I-131 (reentry permit application) It takes about 3 to 4 months to get your physical reentry permit. Depending on your case, there are ways to either speed up the process or to leave the US before your reentry permit is issued.

As a US immigration lawyer, I would be happy to help you throughout the entire process from filing to receiving your reentry permit. To get started, please email me directly at Michael@AshooriLaw.com.

Need A Reentry Permit?

We had a great experience with Mr. Ashoori. His responses were quick and professional. He was always helpful in giving updates and answers

Suparna D

19:26 11 Nov 18

Michael is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer. My husband and I used his law firm for an NIV US visa application, and Michael made the entire process hassle free and smooth. He was always available to answer any questions that we had, and guided us through the entire process. I recommend him!read more

Sanjeewa Ranatunga

16:04 26 Oct 18

I came to know Michael Ashoori through one of his YouTube videos as I needed information on applying for a travel document. That was the best video or source of information I could find online. I contacted Michael 3 months ago. I was running out of time. He was prompt to act and filled my case within a couple of days. It was easy to work with him, and he was quick to respond to any question. His fee was extremely reasonable. I contacted several other lawyers, and their fees were much higher than his. Overall, I'm impressed with his work ethic. More importantly, my case got approved within three months, and I already have my document. If you have any immigration related issue, please do not hesitate to contact Michael. Thank you, Michael, for keeping things simple and getting things done in time.read more

Emma Wallace

08:08 15 Oct 18

Michael was extremely helpful in assisting my re entry permit application. He made the whole process very easy and straightforward. As I was based overseas we mostly corresponded by email and he always responded extremely promptly. I’ve recommended Michael to a friend and would recommend him for immigration assistance and legal advice. Thanks for your help, Michael!read more

Dawa Torbert

14:37 01 Aug 18

Michael offers exceptional customer service. He did a great job helping me with my re-entry permit. He always kept me updated on the progress both via email and by phone. The entire progress took less than 2 months. I highly recommend Ashoori Law.read more

CEDRIC PAOLO JUAN

20:59 23 Jul 18

He replies attentively and from the messages he sends, it shows how accommodating and concern he really is about any issues you have or information you need. Definitely worth every penny!read more

Yogesh Kandlikar

20:57 20 Jul 18

Thanks Michael for your help. It was pleasure working with Michael, i strongly recommend Michael to anyone who is looking to apply for re entry permits.read more

Adil Khan

11:41 12 Jul 18

It was indeed an eye opening consultation I had with Michael. He was very patient and well versed with the L1 Visa option I discussed with him. I truly endorse him for his services as an immigration Attorney and I wish him success in his future endeavors.read more

Muhammad Fahad Ashraf

00:14 26 Jun 18

Like any foreign investor to make his dream come ture, I was looking for the best yet the most-affordable Lawyer with E2 specialization to ensure the visa approval at the very 1st attempt. Not being satisfied with local legal firms especially for E2 Visa, we were referred to MICHAEL ASHOORI; known to be a Subject Matter Expert in E2. Our whole relation with Michael was over the phone but we NEVER felt at-distance due to his professional communication and collaboration skills. We were really impressed with his subject-related knowledge and his exceptional approach.At very 1st engagement with him over the phone,he walked us step-by-step through the standard process for E2 submission and answered all of our questions till our full satisfaction. Upon his analysis of our case, he customized his approach as per our legal situation and reccommended us the best fit-solution for our investment goals. He made the preparation of business/invetment documentation super-easy for me by providing the customized and easy-to-use templates. Him and his team frequently reviewed our documents and provided professional assistance to make appropriate enhancments as needed per USCIS standards. I have never experienced anyone as prompt professional towards his clients as he was. No matter, what time (business/after-business hours) I called him, received immediate & welcoming response. Michael kept me posted with status updates till I received Approval Notice from USCIS :)I am Glad MICHAEL represented me for my case. I WOULD RECCOMMEND MICHAEL TO ANYONE WHO WANTS SUCCESS IN E2 VISA APPROVAL AT THE VERY 1ST ATTEMPT.read more

ABIJIT AJI

01:40 25 Jun 18

I took a consulting session from Michael, and he was simply spectacular. I found him very knowledgeable about the whole L1 process and about the options available for individuals who are interested to go via this option for their immigration. He clearly highlighted the challenges and opportunities regarding my case and pitfalls that need to be avoided. He took this call on a Sunday! I would recommend these guys for any of your L1 related work. Do try out the consulting session he offers so you get first hand view of them.read more

ניסים חסיד

03:29 19 Jun 18

I would highly recommend him, he responds timely and very polite. Michael explains everything in easy to understand terms and will go over anything you do not understand. My process was taken care of faster !than I had expected. Great person to work withread more

Guru Kalle

17:13 06 Jun 18

Mr. Michael Ashoori is a great professional and immigration lawyer. Mr. Michael is knowledgable and advised me regarding my immigration situation. He was able to understand my case and he offered to contact my employer and help with my immigration matter. He is very professional and persistent.read more

Matthew Khalili

01:06 04 Jan 18

Outstanding law firm. The attorney Michael Ashoori helped get a TN visa approval for me very smoothly. Michael was extremely attentive and offered considerable amount of his time to help me understand the process. He is not only extremely talented and knowledge in the field of immigration, he is also a great work ethic and integrity .read more

Arleo Dordar

18:15 27 Dec 17

Michael is thorough, patient, and puts in extra time to make sure you get approved. He works purely for results. I have a great experience with Michael and would recommend everyone to work with him.read more